Quiet Christmas....

Back to the parental units to eat again....way too much prepared for our small gathering the night before!

The Dodge's - their annual Christmas picture...

Preston in the midst of his gift orgy. He has so many people who love him!! Brian and his family sent gifts as well as all of us, so he was blessed with lots and lots and lots and lots of fun gifts.

More gifts!

The tree after Santa "delivered". Preston left his gingerbread house for a snack. Preston was happy that he had properly fed Santa. I told him I left Santa a big glass of wine at my house...
Quiet Day - we went home and all had naps. Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas full of fun and love.

Christmas Eve 2008

Note:
The photo of the Christmas tree on the header was taken by Vivi...while they were in town over the 15th. She did a really good job! Ho Ho Ho.....
Christmas Eve was a quiet affair this year...I'm so glad my Dad is up and feeling better. That was the best present of all.

Preston ate his dinner so he could open some presents from all his "Peeps" He is displaying the "clean" plate.

Aunt B - 'nuff said.

Yippee!!! Presents!!! Yippee!!!

A small but simple spread (NOT) Yummy dinner as always. Got home and watched "It's A Wonderful Life" ... will give some Christmas details tomorrow.

These Kids Make Me Laugh....

This is the end of the road...Preston loves to build things. Roads, buildings, carports, can towers, anything you can think of. I came over to give him his nightly "good night" kiss and he showed me what he had built.... a road, not just any road, take a careful look at this creation. I thought it was quite spectacular and creative.

This picture gives you an idea of the length - this is made of dominos, blocks, lincoln log type blocks with polished stones, plastic "jewels", magnets and rocks and whatever. Look closer, it is very detailed...

Note the different levels and colors, rocks, and jewels are very carefully laid out.

Here is an overhead view. He really worked hard on it. He makes me laugh.

Songie and her family came in Friday for her sister-in-law's wedding on Tuesday. I always get a big kick out of these kids. They went over to Hires for dinner after the wedding and Jayme, Preston, and I dropped in on them. Ian was tickled to see us. He makes me laugh.

Cady (looking very lovely in her wedding outfit) was busy having a fry - but she smiled and flirted with her cousins and us. She's so happy to hang out. She makes me laugh.

Earlier in the weekend. Dennis and Will went snowboarding. Will informed me that he walked down the hill because it was HUGE. I recall him saying my big toe was HUGE when he polished it for me once..... he makes me laugh.

These two were having some together time, both a little wacky but every so sincere.... they make me laugh too. They say it's good to laugh every day. I always do with these people hanging around! It was fun to have them visit.

View from Dad's Room...

This is the view from Dad's new hospital room (Regional Hosp) - He has the whole southern
wall with a huge window... Very nice!

Dr. Dodge is also a cosmetologist/stylist -- So many talents!! What would we do without her?

She is just freshening up Dad's "look"..

There he is - up and about. He was even making crude jokes which we don't appreciate, but we do appreciate that the man has his sense of humor back, sick as it is - no pun intended.

Another (earlier) view from the window. The new snow looked beautiful on the trees. Sue was supervising the walk, Jayme cutting the hair, Mom dishing up his hospital dinner and Carey and Preston also entertaining in the room - It was a party!

When it rains....

For some reason, when I blog from my work computer now I can't add any pictures so sorry about that... it has been a strange few weeks. My manager and friend at work, got hurt and has been in the hospital since before Thanksgiving - he will be out for at least 2 months recovering - causing a bit more work and anxiousness for us here, then today another work colleage's father passed away - he was 85, so not unexpected but still, with Dad's issues, too, it really hit us hard and also adds to the anxiousness. Dad is doing "better" but is still not functioning in a healing manner to return home or even to a snif (as David calls it) so is still kind of stuck in hospital land until they can figure out his underlying issues. He was better today after being forced to accept some blood (he initially refused and Jayme overrode him) and was even sitting up. He is really onery, which usually indicates healing with him, but the Dr said he can't go anywhere...more anxiousness this holiday season. I am looking forward to my Songie and family returning on the 12th.... Anyway, just updating a bit, hope everyone else is healthy and enjoying the holidays......hopefully we'll have no more problems and get some answers soon..... Love

Happy Thanksgiving

Sorry I missed writing on the actual day - with Dad in the hospital, and family visiting it was hard to find extra time. I am thankful for my family who mean so much. Clark, Corey and Danielle, Aaron all came to town and we almost had all of us together (except David - we missed you and your shadow, Smartalek) The Boise boys (& Danielle) did all the needed honey-do's at Mom and Dad's and Danielle cleaned and kept Mom company so that was much appreciated and helpful. Doctor Dodge has been, as usual, talking with the Doctors (as she is one of them) and keeping (trying to) Dad focused on his recovery. Sue got Mom and Dad's house decorated and Glen put up the lights so Mom can enjoy the spirit even if Dad isn't going to be home this holiday. We can hope for the next one, that he will be well. It is a strange reality to have to shift responsibilities and dynamics in our family. I'm thankful for Song and Dennis and my little gkids, who bring me so much joy. I'm thankful for my friends, Lana, Kandis and Roger who always check on me and make me laugh. I'm always extra thankful for my brother/non-husband Carey and my sweet sister Jayme, who gives too much of herself and keeps giving more-including all the free medical advise as well as sharing Preston with me. I just wish I could find someone who would clip my toe nails for me...they aren't as bad as they look....wait! Jayme said she'd take me for a pedicure - see how she is? Ever helpful. Happy Thanksgiving to all and I'll check in sooner....

Sonoma...continued

Jayme and Carey at Viansa - tasting wine - Carey and I were the "die-hards" we made it through 2 tastings. I was halfway lit (it was early!!! ) so we quit after 2 wineries and just toured. Glen, Sue, Aaron, Wendy, Bob, George, Jayme, Carey, and I went for the day. Aunt B and Preston hung out at the "big" house. It was a fun day.

B, Preston, Yaya - thrilling moment for Preston in SF! There were TWO SFFD trucks at the wharf - they drove by and waved. He was pretty jazzed about it.

Kind of a typical pose for Wendy and Bob, later Aaron joined the lap-bots and they complained about B watching TV!!!

Wendy's Beemer - of course B was totally irritated with this bumper sticker - California is full of "lemonaid drinking liberals"

Jaccuzi Winery - this place had olive oil tasting too, and they had a section for olive oil soaps, and other products. (Sue and George hanging out while I'm taking pics) Beautiful stone building - made me think of my Dad and brothers (masons and the argonut)

This painting was at the olive oil section of the winery. I just loved the painting. This picture

doesn't do it justice but it really spoke to me for some reason. I love the colors, the shapes of the olive pickers, love the tree. I just love it!

This is crazy Preston after he fell off the stationary trains in the park. From what I heard, he took a running leap up the steps and just kept going off the other side. He told me he ran out of room. It actually looked worse that this picture, but a day or two later he was healed. Scared the living crap out of Aunt Sue and Yaya.

Preston and Yaya - having a moment in the fabulous weather out on the patio at the

"big" house.

Aaron and Preston - boys being boys... they had a good time together.

Wendy and her new man . Bob left and Scott came for dinner. He was very nice.

We were surprised because he was a pretty straight arrow. Not Wendy's usual type.

(Sayin' it with love, Wendy)

Thanks Wendy, for putting us up in these cool places. Everyone should get the chance

to come to this beautiful place.

Whine Country ...oh I mean WINE country!

Preston, taking a much needed rest!

Wine tasting at Viansa Winery

Beautiful....

Our vacation house

Leaving San Francisco

-Timewise these pictures are actually backwards- but anyway, it was beautiful weather and such a beautiful place to visit. Will write more, just want to whine that I don't live there...

PP12 What's Growing in My Garden Now....

Preston, smiling. He is dumping dirt on the lawn - I am asking him not to.
I love his expression.

The zucchini, peppers, tomatoes and flowers are all gone. The garden boxes are now

a construction site. Lots of digging going on.

Preston took a small break to check things out from the swing...

Surveying his site. If you know Preston you know he loves his trucks and equipment. He's a busy boy!!

Zombies Everywhere!!!

Zombie Lady
Bella and Crazed Jazz Fan! (Chelsea & Ed)
Crazy Zombie Lady (Wow I wasn't trying to do that with my eyes)
Fireman Preston with Papa's Pumpkin creations!
Halloween Sisters~ Pirate with a Rack! Crazy Person and the Cheery Witch- (Lana, Julie & Di)
The party Hosts - Michelle & Johnny
The Zombie party was very fun - Johnny & Michelle had outdone themselves with ghouls and ghosts and scary stuff. Every part of the house was decorated and the food was delicious. I will be hounding Johnny for his Pumpkin Curry soup recipe! Went to Lana and Ed's (scored some buffalo chili there - haven't tried it yet but will have it for lunch today..) first and then over to the Zombie party. October is over now and on to November!!! It went fast.

Happy Halloweeny!

Just some old and cute halloween pics from Halloweens Past! Have a safe and fun Halloween - More pics later!